The Big Bend 50-25-10 run benefits Big Bend National Park in more ways than one. First, proceeds from the race do go to the park for improvements and maintenance. However, it also introduces a whole new group to the grandeur of Big Bend National Park. The run features a 50K, 25K and 10K course along the desert on the border with Mexico. It all began with a crazy idea. In 2004, three runners from S
an Antonio decided to run the River Road in Big Bend National Park. James Glasscock was training for the Atacama Crossing. He asked running buddies Carroll Voss and Whitney Lawrence to join him as he trained for the run in Chili. Accompanied by a support team, they had a great run and an even greater time. Carroll and Whitney were experienced in managing races and the idea of the Big Bend Ultra was born. The idea was simple, a 50-mile race along River Road. Eventually, a relay was added. Organizers soon added a 25-mile run also with a relay. Routes were laid out and plans were made. They plotted all the routes, aid stations, start and finish lines. They set up safety standards, arranged an ambulance and EMS crew and made shuttle arrangements for runners. Then, the planners took the idea to Big Bend National Park officials. They laid out their plans, including the premise that all was to benefit the park. The race would promote it by bringing in new visitors and the proceeds from the race would be donated to Friends of Big Bend National Park to aid in park maintenance and improvements. After all the planning, the only item overlooked was dealing with human waste. Organizers agreed to have portable toilets at each rest stop, limit the number of entries and the deal was struck. Word went out through local racing circles as they raced to get a website up. Once www.bigbend50.com was up, the word spread even faster. Runners were excited to explore a new venue. Those who knew of Big Bend National Park were excited to have yet another excuse to go there. The first race was a big success. Runners loved it. Organizers went out of their way to insure the safety of the runners and the integrity of the park. The runners left blood, sweat and cash behind, carrying off great memories. Organizers left no trace, took only pictures and left cash for the park in their wake. However, behind the scenes, there were problems with first race. Primarily, it was logistics. Two big runs with two big relays were just too much for the transportation crew to handle safely and efficiently, though there were no incidents or injuries. Organizers decided to go to a 50K and 25K event. As long as the routes were changing, organizers made a modest name change to Big Bend Ultra, to emphasize the ruggedness of the course. For the next two years, the race gained in popularity. Organizers were able to increase donations to Friends of Big Bend National Park each year. Carroll, the race director, even served on “The Friends” board. Race organizers and the park service officials worked well together. Park officials were more than helpful and commended the race efforts. Race organizers quickly discovered what they could and could not do and worked with the park service to do the best for the park. However, in 2007, the economy began a nosedive and gas prices were skyrocketing. Registration opened in the spring as usual, but was slow. Eventually, the numbers were so bad that the race would only break even at best. Race Director Carroll Voss cancelled the race. All the entry monies were refunded and everyone stayed home. The situation, unfortunately, had not improved greatly by the next year. During the down time and as the economy began to turn around, runners began egging Carroll and the other organizers to bring the race back. After enough prodding and enough pledges of support, Carroll met with his original crew of volunteers. They were ready to return to Big Bend and the decision was made to return in 2011. For the past three years, the volunteer group - now organized into Overland Race Management - has provided the expertise, equipment, health and safety planning, communication crews, volunteers and customer relations which have made the race the success it is. The crew still is dedicated, as it has been from the beginning, to preserving, as well as promoting, the park. In 2013, Friends of Big Bend National Park opted to not participate in the race. The original team, knowing how popular the race is, opted to go back to holding it on their own. Proceeds from the race will benefit the park, as they have from the beginning.
